Framework for display publicity by machine



C. R. FINCII. FRAMEWORK FOR DISPLAY PUBLICITY BY MACHINE,

APPLICATION FILED AUG-I7, I916.

Patented Apr. 13, 1920.

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A TTOR/VEY C. R. FINCH. FRAMEWORK FOR DISPLAY PUBLICITY BY MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.17, I916.

Patented Apr. 13, 1920.

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MC ATTORNEYQ/Z CLIFTON R.'FINCII, 0F NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

FRAMEWORK FOR DISPLAY PUBLICITY BY MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 13, 1 920.

Application filed August 17, 1916. Serial No. 115,530.

To all whom z't'may concern Be it known that I, CLIFTON R, F INCH,& citizen of the United States, residing at Newark, in the county of Essex and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Frameworks for Display Publicity by Machine, of which the following is a specification.

I have invented an improved'framework for display publicity by machine; that is, a framework of a construction whereby ad-' vertising designs, merchandise, etc., I are capable of being supported in such a manner that they can be actuated one after another into position to be exhibited.

' The primary aim of my invention is to provide a framework to serve as a suitable supporting device for movably carrying various objects that are to be put upon public view; and to this end I build my framework so that it comprises a pair of main supporting members, such as standards; and means, including a plurality of auxiliary supporting members in the form of hori zontal frames, for connecting the standards and mounting rails or guides whereon such advertising designs, merchandise, etc., may be moved asrequired/ The framework also has attached thereto at different points number of illuminating elements with reflectors for throwing light all over the framework and thus showing" the objects supported by it to the best advantage.

The drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of my invention; but the disclosure herein is of course to be taken as ex planatory only; and other embodiments, involving changes in structural details, may be utilized; to the full extent indicated by the general meanings of the terms in which the claims appended to this specification are expressed. On said drawings: I

Figure 1 is a front view of a supporting framework made Fig. '2 is a top plan thereof;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the same; and

Fig. i is a section on the line 4-4: of Fig. 1.

T he same numerals of reference identify the same partsthroughout.

I show at 1 a pair of main supporting members or standards, which are rigidly joined together, and between which extend a number of auxiliary supporting members or horizontal frames 2; placed one above an- I upon one rail 5 of each according to my invention other, and projecting to both the front and rear of the standards, as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3; that is beyond the facesof the standards which appear on Fig. 1, and the faces opposite thereto.

jacent the opposite ends of the frames 2 are located illuminating means, such as incandescent lamps 3, associated with hoods or reflectors 4; which are so arranged as to direct the light from the lamps toward the frames. The frames 2 are preferably four in number; and at the opposite sides of the first and the third frame, counting down from the top, are mounted pairs of parallel rails 5, suspended slightly below the frames by means of hangers 6. These rails may be like ordinary ball rails,"T- shaped in cross section; and they are in tended to engage suitable rollers by which various objects to be-mounted in the framework are supported. In practice, the mat-- ter to be exhibited will be secured in suitable frames, each having a roller at the top of each side; and these roller-bearing frames are disposed in the framework by causing a roller at each side of each to rest upon one of the rails 5, as indicated in broken lines in Figs. 1 and 3. The frames 2 are therefore associated in pairs; each pair comprising an upper frame and a lower; the upper frame of each pair carrying as many of the roller-bearing frames just mentioned as the capacity of the framework permits. As shown clearly in the drawings the rails 5 extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the standards.

In order to save space, and increase the capacity of the supporting device, I adopt a staggered or zigzag arrangement hereby the rollers above mentioned rest alternately pair, and then upon the other. That is, the rollers on the frames carrying the same will engage first the inner rail of each pair at the sides of the frames 2, and then the outer rail, as shown in Fig. 2. The roller-bearing frames are not a part of the invention disclosed herein; and the construction thereof need not be set forth in this specification.

The roller bearing frames, each carrying advertising designs or samples of merchandise on both faces thereof, are thus hung vertically, one behind another, in transverse position between the columns 1; and they are actuated so as to be moved along the rails 5 by automatic mechanism not requiring to be specifically illustrated. it is sufficient to say that each roller-bearing frame between the upper two frames 2 will be operated so as to reach in turn the ends of the rails carrying it; and there be exposed for a predetermined period to view It will then be removed to make way for the next one behind it, by being made to descend to position between the lower two frames 2; where it will be exposed to View again; and in descending, it will uncover the roller-bearing frame behind it, between the upper frames 2, and screen the rollerbearing frame ahead of it between the lower frames 2. It will next be moved along the lower rails to the opposite face of the framework; where it will be exposed to view between the lower frames 2; and then again be raised to position between the upper rails. The frames carrying the objects to be put upon display will hence be seen, each in turn, twice at each end of the device; the matter on one face of each frame being exhibited at one end of the framework; and the matter on the opposite face at the other. Thus the roller-bearing frames circulate through the two pairs. of frames 2 continuously; and each roller-bearing frame with whatever it shows upon its two faces may be repeatedly put on view as long as the mechanism is kept running.

The standards 1 are each constituted of a pair of sections 7, placed side by side, and capped by heads 8. They are also rigidly joined together over substantially their entire lengths by means indicated by the numeral 9, and comprising short braces which are arranged diagonally and intersect between the sections; thus giving a laced or latticed effect. These braces may engage recesses in the adjacent faces of the sections, as indicated in Fig. 3; and will of course be secured to the sections by bolts or any other suitable means. The sections 7 also diverge at their lower ends;-

providing portions 10 for each standard which are bent or otherwise caused to extend toward both ends of the framework, and terminate in feet 11. These divergent portions of the sections are best depicted in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 2, the divergent lower portions 10 of the sections of each standard are parallel with the divergent portions of the sections of the other; and these divergent portions mark out and define the area of the base of the entire device. The frames 2 do not extend out from the two standards as far as the portions 10 and feet 11; and thus the frames 2 will always lie within the area of the base; whereby stability and steadiness are gained when the framework is set up for use.

I also provide vertical connecting means 12, in the form of flat strips, bars or the like, for the frames 2; which are joined at their upper and lower ends to the corners of each pair of frames or supporting members 2. To make a neat fit, I may rabbet out diagonally the ends of the front and rear of the frames 2; and bevel off the ends of the bars 12 to correspond; thus affording a mitered appearance, as indicated in Fig. 1. The frames 2 may of course be made in parts or sections; which are preferably assembled by being united squarely at their ends, as shown in Fig. 2. Each frame 2 will be bolted to each section 7 at both sides; and the upper frames of each pair may be further engaged by brackets 13, made fast at their lower ends to the faces of the sections 7 and at their upper ends to the lower sides of the frames 2; and making these frames absolutely rigid with the standards 1. 2

At the lower part of the framework, a pair of transverse braces extend between the sections 7; and at the top a similar brace unites the heads 8. The upper brace carries parallel bars 15, preferably two; extending to the front and rear; and similar bars 15 are mounted on the lower braces. The upper brace 14 also supports an ornamental double-faced sign 16; and, if desired, this sign may be arranged so that the upper bars 15 are between it and the adjacent braces 14. The bars 15 carry the lamps and the reflectors for the top and bottom frames 2; the reflectors and lamps for the intermediate frames being supported on brackets 17, carried by the intermediate frames, as best shown in Fig. 4. I also fix rods 18 on the opposite faces of the standards 1, midway between the frames 2, to carry lamps and reflectors at the sides of the device, adjacent to the vertical bars 12.

It will be understood, of course, that the braces 14 constitute the main connecting means between the standards 1; and that the utility of the frames 2 as connecting means for the standards is subordinate to the function of these frames as means for carrying and containing the roller-bearing frames which move along the rails 5.

As illustrated, the lamps are all located within the reflectors. The upper and lower bars 15 carry two groups of lamps at the front and two at the back; each group consisting of three lamps placed side by side, and giving only white light. Each of the rods 18 carries a group of lamps for giving white light; these groups being of two lamps each, midway between the frames 2. The intermediate frames 2 carry at each end three groups of lamps of three lamps each, with reflectors therefor supporting the lamps inside; these lamps producing light of different colors; such as red, white and blue, or other shades, to show plainly the color effects presented by the objects in the frames engaging the rails 5. The reflectors or hoods for all the lamps may be of any ornamental design; and may be hinged or otherwise mounted so that the reflectors and lampstogether are adjustable with respect to the rods 18, the bars 15 and the frames 2 supporting them.

The lamps 3 at the front and rear of the standards 1 efficiently and brilliantly illuminate both ends of the framework by reason of the action of the hoods or reflectors a. The lamps at the opposite ends of the frames 2, bearing rails, are substantially between the rails ends; and have their rays of light reflected by the hoods 4 past the adjacent ends of the rails toward the opposite ends of the same; and likewise downward and upward. The hoods at the back, including those on the rods 18, direct light toward the front; and those in front direct light toward the back. Hence, these hoods, since they reflect light in opposite directions, may be regarded as facing each other, in a sense, from the forward and rear ends of the framework at which they are fixed in position. As the roller-bearing frames reach the ends of the rails 5, the whole face of these frames will receive enough light to make the matter carried by them clear and conspicuous.

The sign 16 at the top may have suitable matter, such as a name, a trademark, etc., in metallics or otherwise, appearing on both sides or faces; making of the sign a duplex unit.

The roller-bearing frames never turn. but are always maintained in vertical position on the rails 5; whether moving or at a standstill; exposed or screened from the eye; and they exhibit one face at one end of the supporting device and the opposite face at the other end. These roller-bearing frames may show advertisements or samples of merchandise, or both combined, on either or both faces. Such advertisements may be miscellaneous, in the form of trademarks, pictures, lithographs, prints, posters, etc., mounted on sheet metal, wire netting, sheet veneers, wood, paper, cloth or fiber and other m ans; and may be provided by the use of paints, oils, enamels, bronzes, inks, water colors, and the like suitable substances. lVhile both faces of the rollerbearing frames will ordinarily be employed, only one face and one end of the supporting device may be provided with advertising matter if preferred.

The supporting device for indoor use may be employed by day or night to exhibit both advertisements and the samples of merchandise in all kinds of locations; such as factories, agencies, show windows, hotel lobbies, theaters, office and public buildings,

railroad and passenger stations, etc; the size, design and capacity, as well as the displays, being determined accordingly.

For outdoor use, the framework and the mechanism for actuating the roller-bearing frames will be suitably housed under glass, and will in general be employed in the same way as for indoor use, by day or night, to exhibit up street and down, on factories, office and store buildings, vacant lots, city blocks, side walls, piers, docks and other suitable locations in towns and pleasure resorts,-on the avenues of vehicular and pedestrian travel and traflic. But no forms of merchandise display would be offered in outdoor operations unless specially provided for.

For either outdoors or indoors the framework may be put to use for moving displays and exhibitions of advertising and merchandise, as well as for stationary; and whatever may be the mode or conditions of use, local or national results may be 01 tained.

The location of the mechanism or machinery for operating the roller-bearing frames within the framework may be on top of the framework, or near the center, or near the base; depending largely on the transmission, installation and power employed; 2'. 6., whether furnished by hand, motor, gas, spring, steam, or electricity.

Having described my invention, what I believe to be new and desire to secure and protect by Letters Patent of the United States is l. A supporting device comprising a pair of standards, each including sections joined rigidly together over substantially their entire lengths, said sections having divergent lower ends, the civergent lower ends of the sections of one standard being parallel with the divergent lower ends of the sections of the other, a plurality of horizontally disposed frames located one above another between the standards and supported thereby and projecting to the front and rear thereof, and rails mounted on some of said frames and extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the standards to carry objects to be exhibited.

2. A supporting device comprising a pair of standards, each including sections joined rigidly together over their entire lengths, said sections having divergent lower ends, the lower ends of the sections of one standard being parallel withthe lower ends of the sections of the other, a plurality of frames disposed horizontally and located one above another between said standards, and supported thereby and projecting to the front and rear of said standards, and rails mounted on some of said frames to carry objects to be exhibited, said rails extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the standards, said frames and said rails being within the area of the base of the device.

3. A. frame Work for display comprising vertical standards, horizontal frames between the same, means for connecting said frames together in pairs extending vertically between said frames, parallel rails on some of said frames and extending sub- 10 stantially perpendicular to the plane of the standards, said rails being adapted to carry frames having rollers at each side to engage the rails.

In testimony whereof I have signed my 15 name to this specification this 14th day of August, 1916.

CLIFTON R. FINCH. 

